Stories of our families are like blossoms. Some are beautiful stories full of life. Others are not so beautiful, like spent blossoms. Some are just buds as we try to find more information about them. Other stories may be like the loose stones under the tree-not related to the family at all.

Monday, 16 March 2015

Great Grandpa answers a request of his grandson Robin

Uncle Robin was invited to dinner at my mother's home when we were home one weekend. I had asked him if he had any family items that he could share with me.
He duly arrived with an arm full of "goodies"
As a 12 year old he had asked his grandfather Lionel Edgar to write some poems for him. So I'm now publishing transcriptions of his hand written "poems" for him 59 years on. I hope he can know that I'm doing this for him and that he is now in print.

Lionel Edgar and Louisa Rebecca Laws

May 19 1946

Random Rhyme

Take my advice

My Grandson Robin is a great little bird

He has sent me a special request

Write me a poem his voice it is heard

Before you pass out to the West

Write me a poem before it's too late

The last day to us all it must come

Write me a poem at seventy-eight

Signed Robin your loving grandson

I now pen a few lines of good advice

To help you through life's long span

Well move your fingers like galloping mice

As correct and as fast as you can

Over the keyboard with ivory notes

I've no doubt you'll create a record

As over the air a melody floats

Robin Laws on one of his many trips

When judged by a "Musical Board"

Be honest and truthful whatever your lot

Take care to select a good wife

Remember that once you were in a cot

Smile at setbacks, trouble and strife

Ever with a heart that is brave and true

Be it work, cricket, football or fight

Do what your hands find to do

And do it with all your might.

Be sure to grow up a model young man

Some day you might even gaze on a daughter

Eschew strong drink make it your plan

To quench your thirst by drinking cold water

Act on the proverb that relates to a stitch

Be prompt and smart at your job

Don't say this jolly thing gives me the itch

Or you'll continue as one of a mob

Please accept your Grandpa's good wishes

As a pansy might say to a rose

Breathe in the fresh air as your form it enriches

Where we'll end up only God knows

signed

Grandpa Laws

Of course I doubt that any publisher would think this worthy of publication but as I didn't know Great Grandpa Laws I thoroughly enjoyed his words of wisdom. Sadly for Uncle Robin he didn't marry so he couldn't gaze on a daughter but spoilt lots of his nieces. He certainly played the piano and organ and sang in choirs.